RICHARD LATHROP ROBBINS, 82, of 20 Reservoir Road, Richmond, died Tuesday, June 1, at his home. He had resided in Richmond since 1968 prior to which he had lived in New York City.
Born in Iron Mountain, Michigan, April 11, 1922, the son of Richard and P. May Jenkins Robbins, he was a graduate of Eau Claire Wisconsin High School and a graduate of the University of Chicago Goodman Theatre Institute.
An actor and puppeteer, Mr. Robbins founded the Robbins-Zust Family Marionettes in April 1971, and in the past thirty years, hand-crafted hundreds of marionettes and hand puppets. This Summer, the Marionettes will be in their 33rd
season at the Guthrie Center.
Prior to coming to the Berkshires, he was the production manager and technical director for Joe Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival from 1958 to 1968 where he toured, as an actor and technician, the 48 contiguous states with many Shakespeare plays, a Peter Pan production, and the Fantastiks, among others. Mr. Robbins was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Pittsfield.He was also a member of the Actors Equity Association.
Mr. Robbins leaves his wife, Genie Zust,whom he married May 1, 1960, at All Souls Church in
New York City. Besides his wife, Mr. Robbins is survived by a son, Dion C. Robbins-Zust
of Richmond; three daughters, Diana Rosselli of New Mexico, Maia M. Robbins-Zust
of Richmond, and Thea A. Robbbins-Zust of New Lebanon, New York, and five grandchildren.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial celebration of the life of RICHARD LATHROP ROBBINS,
who died Tuesday, June 1, will be held this Fall at the family home in Richmond.
There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr.
Robbins may be made to the theatre of one’s choice. The DERY FUNERAL HOME
is in charge of arrangements.
Among his five grandchildren, Mr. Robbins is survived by his grandson, Milo R. Robbins-Zust.
|
